The End of the Comparathon

Here’s what I mean. I had a major girl crush on a woman in college I barely knew. She seemed so at ease at the keg parties and protest meetings, emanating a cool aloofness that gave her a command of the room. When I saw her, I instantly felt like a big, cloying clown trying to make people like me through laughter. Her way seemed so much, well, better.

This obsession was but one example of the terrible habit I had when I was in my 20s—I constantly compared myself to other women, reflexively, like breathing.

The willowy woman at the next table, snarfing down a burger and fries? The mere fact of her whippet-thin body and lightening quick metabolism made me a big fat slug. That happy couple sitting across from me on the subway, gazing lovingly at each other—clearly they had a wonderful, enviable, perfect relationship, which only highlighted how mine were often hopelessly complicated. FULL ARTICLE HERE.

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The circle of life TRAYCIE WROTE: My mom was (and still is) petite. We wore the same size when I was in high school in the early 1980's. She used to pass really cute clothes or shoes over to me by saying "It's too young for me". Now, here in 2012, I find myself passing on some of the cutest clothes by saying "It's too young for me". Dammit!

Love this post! from Autumn This blog is my story, all over.
I am a Formerly Hot blonde..always the 'pretty one' in the family, never lacking for attention or dates. Fast forward...I'm now 42, mother of four blonde blessings, and yes....going through a totally-typical divorce. The funny thing is...during a fifteen-yr abusive marriage, I was brought so low that I had completely 'let myself go' (and I despise that saying!) Now that I'm free, I'm finally strong enough to take the time and effort to take care of ME...haircuts, highlights, tanning, whitening my teeth...and eating healthfully and exercising, of course. I had become so accustomed to being virtually invisible during my thirties that the scant attention I now still receive from men just absolutely floors me! Ah, it's good to find that girl again. Yes, the men paying attention are my age or older, but that's as it should be, and fine with me!
Ladies, you're still hot...just hot now to a different demographic. Embrace it: it's not gone! :)

Perspective, people CATHY WROTE: I just read your book and appreciated it, though I can't really relate. Not only am I 15 years older than you, I was never hot. I have a mild case of cerebral palsy; while I can, thank God, walk and talk, I limp and my right arm swings like a broken tree branch. When I shop for clothes, style doesn't count. Can I get into it by myself? Will these shoes support my right ankle?

Agree? QUEEN WROTE: There comes a time in your life when u suddenly realize that you are not cute anymore. You are still pretty and more secure, hopefully more intelligent and secure, but you just don't turn heads the way you used to. But its not because you became ugly, I believe there are beautiful and ugly in young and old.

Relief, of a kind KIKI WROTE: Finally! I don't get hit on all the time. It's kind of nice to be able to go to the store and be checked out (no pun intended) without the clerk asking me if I've got a boyfriend. D

Olivia d’Abo was the hot older daughter! JULIE WROTE: The AmeriCorps (2o-something) in my office were discussing dopplegangers. I remarked that I was never really told I look like anyone-oh, except for the sister on the Wonder Years (Olivia d'Abo character)...to which the reply (nonsnarky, just curious) was..."don't you mean the mom?" What???

HILARIOUS CHRISTINE WROTE: ...Last year my 13 year old step daughter wore my dress to a birthday party. I told my friends the story and one of the husbands replied, "that was a farewell dress. Farewell to size 4."

9-year-old fashion tips LAURA WROTE: My 9 year old daughter, who knows everything, informed me that I was too old to even think about wearing a bikini or even a two piece. She informed me that tankini's were OK because they covered my flabby parts and made it easy for me since I have to go to the bathroom so much (bladder sling surgery in 3 months.)